The promoter behind Wireless Festival has defended Kanye West's 'legal right to perform' in the UK, despite widespread calls for the rapper to be barred from entering the country over past antisemitic comments. West is scheduled to headline all three nights of the festival in London's Finsbury Park this July.
Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, which organises the event, described himself as a 'deeply committed anti-fascist' and a 'person of forgiveness' in a statement. He condemned West's previous remarks about Jews and Hitler as 'abhorrent', but argued that the artist has a legal right to perform, given his music is routinely played on UK radio and streaming platforms without outcry. Benn stressed the festival is not giving West a platform for opinions, only to perform songs already enjoyed by millions.
However, Sir Keir Starmer has labelled the booking 'deeply concerning', and several major sponsors, including Pepsi and Diageo, have withdrawn support. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood faces pressure from politicians and the Campaign Against Antisemitism to deny West entry under the Immigration Act, arguing his presence would not be 'conducive to the public good'. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp urged Mahmood to use her powers, stating West was 'guilty of appalling antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments'.
West has not performed in the UK since headlining Glastonbury in 2015. He has faced criticism for voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler, releasing a song called 'Heil Hitler', and advertising a swastika T-shirt. The mayor of London's office reportedly refused permission for a West concert at the London Stadium, citing community concerns. Jewish organisations have criticised the festival, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews calling it the 'wrong decision' and urging the government to consider barring him.
